My 16-year-old son and I were recently wandering through the haunted and spooky decorations at the Spirit store to get some inspiration for our yard. While the scary animatronics tried their best to make us scream, I saw the cutest little toddler crying in abject fear, hugging his father with all his might. His father was doing his best to calm him down, and had to redirect his son’s attention to Toy Story’s Slinky in another section to distract him from the demonic clown.

I turned to my son, who is now as horror-obsessed as I am, and told him that he used to react that way as a child in this store. He hated anything to do with Halloween unless it was a cutesy pumpkin or candy, of course! However, at some point during his lifetime, and probably because of my influence, he grew to love all things Halloween, especially the movies. In fact, nowadays you can find him driving around town with a Michael Meyers vinyl stuck to the back window of his car.

All three of my children love Halloween and all that goes with it; I tell them they didn’t stand a chance with me as their mom. I have loved horror and scary movies since I read my first Stephen King novel, “Christine,” in the 80s. In 1988 when I was in college, the first movie I ever saw at a midnight screening was King’s “Pet Sematary,” and I haven’t missed one of his movies since, although I choose the earlier showtimes now that I’m older because I need my sleep.

It’s funny how certain memories or experiences from childhood can create a lifetime obsession for something. In Julie Willis’ Humor at Home article, “Pretend Play:  Samantha, AKA “Mitch,” AKA Winter the Dolphin,” on page 24, she writes about how the show "Dolphin Tale" made a lasting impression on her family. Her daughter Samantha fell in love with the main character, Winter, and pretended to be her, missing fin and all, on many occasions. Sadly, Winter passed away in 2021 but her legacy and influence continue to this day. If you haven’t introduced your children to this inspiring movie, you need to add it to your list.

To get into the Halloween spirit, make sure to scan all the pages in this issue to look for the Jack O’Lantern to win a spooktacular prize.  Also, don’t forget to check out the monthly word search on the activities page on 30. This is a great way to get your children involved with the magazine.

One of the best parts of Halloween-time is everything pumpkin-spiced. I’m a sucker for the iced pumpkin loaf at Starbucks. KCFM asked its readers this month in “Readers Respond: Favorite Foods,” what kinds of food provide comfort for them. To find out their answers ranging from pizza to pot roast, turn to page 10.

Thanks to our Happy Mama this month. Callie Collins’ article, “Hello Happy (Adventurous) Mama:  Kelly Pray Shares Wisdom on Life Phases, Joy and Change,” on page 12, she writes about how this mama is living her life to the fullest. As a mother, wife, teacher, and lead singer in a band, Kelly has come up with the best mantra for her life: fulfill your commitments and chase your adventure.

With sweater weather almost here, enjoy this Fall season and everything it offers. You never know what will spark your child’s interest. It could be something as crazy as horror nights or as inspirational as a feel-good movie, “Dolphin Tale.” No matter what, take the time to be present and create these magical traditions that could last for generations.